GI Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II

(rifle firing shot) (dramatic music) We went to war to destroy the Nazis. That was a mission for all of us. We went to war to save the world. (dramatic music and guns firing) The rumors were, in the Jewish community, Jews would being slaughtered and something had to be done about it. -

Narrator

They were fighting a people that were trying to destroy the Jewish people from the face of the earth. Right before D Day, they told us, two out of three of you are not coming back. I decided to draw a huge star of David on the back of my field jacket. I had to let the Germans know where I was coming from. (dramatic music) Across the barracks I hear this voice, "Reiner, Reiner!". It was one of these anti-Semitic blondies from Louisiana. And he said "You a Jew!" J, e, w, uuuu. You a Jew. I says yes as a matter of fact. Why do you ask? My fellow soldiers wanted to know, how on earth did you wind up on the front lines? You're Jewish. I said because I wanted to be there. Suddenly I heard you have to say something good about Hitler. You know he got rid of all the Jews. And I said well he didn't get this one. (dramatic music) Entering that camp was the most horrific sight I've ever seen or ever hope to see the rest of my life. I can never ever forget. (dramatic music) -

Soldier

Today I come to you as a solider in the American army and as a representative of the Jewish community of America. (dramatic music) We were there for a reason. To reclaim who we were and not to forget where we came from. That's why we went. (dramatic music)